Gimr, Beni Halba reconciliation summit delayed ‘indefinitely’ in South Darfur

Postponed twice in the recent past, a reconciliation conference between two tribes in South Darfur has now been delayed “indefinitely”. Members of the warring parties blame the state’s government for poorly organizing the conference leading to its “failure”. Dispute over land ownership between the Beni Halba and Gimr tribes left eight killed (four from each side) and four wounded in the end of February in South Darfur. Six villages were also were burned as a result of the battles in the area of Edd Al Fursan, that displaced some 750 families. On 19 March, Radio Dabanga reported the Gimr and Beni Halba signed a ceasefire agreement at the house of the local commissioner and in the presence of Governor Hammad Ismail Hammad of South Darfur.Both parties agreed to “put an end to tribal gatherings, escalations of incidents and all forms of violence” and that a reconciliation conference would be held in April.Radio Dabanga file photoRelated: Gimr and Beni Halba tribes sign ceasefire in South Darfur (19 March 2013)750 families fled South Darfur tribal clashes (13 March 2013)